🔗 Share this article Astronaut Discloses Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a women's health researcher, was onboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight. The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers. The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey. She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault. “Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault. Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice. The Fog Begins to Lift In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed. She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities. The Historic Journey The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space. The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.